OBU hosted an outdoor reception Aug. 19 to celebrate the retirements of 10 employees who have contributed a combined 226 years of service to the university. Pictured, front row left to right, are Janice Powell and Kenny Tisho. Middle row, left to right: Dr. Lucrecia Litherland and Dr. Linda McElroy. Back row, left to right: Larry Walker, Mike Johnson and Dave Gilmore.
Left to right: Julie Blackstone, Dr. Kevin Hall and Janette Wilson.
University Honors 10 Retirees for 226 Years of Service
August 19, 2020
OBU hosted an outdoor reception Aug. 19 to celebrate the retirements of 10 employees who have contributed a combined 226 years of service to the university. The come and go, physically distanced event was hosted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the campus’s Oval lawn to allow sufficient room for physical distancing. Prepackaged breakfast snacks and bottled water were served as refreshments.
Professor Julie Blackstone, assistant professor of art, has taught art at OBU for 23 years, but her connections to the University go further back. Blackstone’s grandparents graduated in the 1920’s and her father in 1950. Numerous other family members are alumni, including her great-uncle Fred McCaulley, who brought “Ka-Rip” to OBU. She won the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2019.
Dave Gilmore, facility services supervisor, trades, has served the University for 33 years, joining the staff in 1987. In May 2013, he received the Meritorious Service Award.
Dr. Kevin Hall, Ida Elizabeth and J.W. Hollums Chair of Bible and professor of biblical and theological studies, has served OBU for 26 years, joining the faculty of OBU in 1994. In 1999, he received the Promising Teacher award.
Michael Johnson, director of human resources, retires after serving the University for 10 years. His decade on Bison Hill capped a distinguished 46 year career in human resources management.
Dr. Lucrecia Litherland, professor of language, has served OBU for 30 years. She attained a Bachelor of Arts at William Woods College, a Master of Arts at the University of New Hampshire, and a Ph.D. at the University of Texas.
Dr. Linda McElroy, coordinator of the Pursuits Program, has served OBU for 30 years. She received OBU’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2010 and OBU’s Meritorious Service Award in 2015. She served as OBU’s cheer coach from 1990 to 2015 and as faculty marshal from the 2000-2001 academic year to 2019-2020.
Janice Powell, admissions office administrator, retires after 15 years of service on Bison Hill. In that role, she manages the vital operations of the Office of Admissions, coordinating many important processes within the Admissons cycle.
Kenny Tisho, groundskeeper I, has served OBU for 12 years. His faithful and dedicated work has contributed to the beautiful campus which all students, employees and visitors enjoy throughout the year.
Larry Walker, director of campus services, retires after 43 years on Bison Hill. In 2002, he was honored with the University’s Meritorious Service Award.
Janette Wilson, assistant professor of mathematics, retires after serving OBU for four years during her current period of employment. However, she previously served as an assistant professor of mathematics at OBU before returning once more to Bison Hill.